Stormwater FAQs
No, runoff enters local waterbodies completely untreated; our City’s storm sewer system merely directs this water to nearby creeks.
Keeping storm drains clear is very important; seasonally checking nearby storm drains and clearing away debris such as leaves and pine needles can save property owners from experiencing costly flood damage. It is also critically important that any storm drain dumping is reported so that it can be cleaned up immediately. Report a spill, or blockage in the stormwater system.
Simply put, stormwater pollution is anything entering a storm drain that isn’t rainwater. Common pollutants found in stormwater include: leaves, garbage, animal waste and the pathogens therein, sediment, vehicle residuals, excess nutrients from fertilizers, household hazardous wastes, etc. See Stormwater Pollutants for more information.
Stormwater runoff is precipitation or meltwater that flows over the surface of the ground. Impervious surfaces such as: rooftops, roadways, sidewalks and unvegetated soil surfaces all create prime conditions for runoff events.
Locally, precipitation drains into a basin known as the Bear Creek watershed. It is comprised of many small tributaries, such as Anderson and Wagner Creek. The stormwater runoff from the City’s storm drains also flows into the Bear Creek watershed. Eventually, stormwater runoff from our watershed flows into the Rogue River which empties into the Pacific Ocean.
Many of the pollutants entering our streams are toxic to humans, our pets and aquatic wildlife. Stormwater pollution increases the cost of potable water treatment and infrastructure maintenance, degrades fish stocks, and reduces the recreational and tourism value of our scenic waterways.
Contact Information
Phone: 541-535-3828
Fax: 541-535-5451
Contact: Robert Slayton
Email
PO Box 445
200 Suncrest Rd
Talent, OR 97540
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday